Denver Neilson
Lake Stevens
Summary
Engineering Director with 15+ years of leadership across manufacturing, aerospace, beverage production, oil & gas, and secure print/mail operations. Proven record of driving reliability, throughput, and cost efficiency across production networks. Expert in automation, controls, robotics, CI/Lean, and end-to-end equipment lifecycle optimization. Innovative Director of Engineering with proven ability to lead teams in high-pressure environments while maintaining productivity and efficiency. Specialize in process optimization, project management, and strategic planning. Excel in communication, leadership, and problem-solving, ensuring seamless collaboration and timely completion of engineering projects.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Engineering & Maintenance
K&H Integrated Print Solutions
01.2019 - Current
- Led engineering operations across multi-facility, high-volume print/mail environments.
- Oversaw teams in Maintenance, Janitorial, Parts, and Continuous Improvement to drive PM/PdM enhancements.
- Managed capital projects, equipment upgrades, vendor relations, and contractor activities effectively.
- Troubleshot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and PLC systems to resolve issues promptly.
- Maintained performance standards for printing, scanning, inserting, bindery, and finishing systems.
- Ensured strict security protocols during ballot production and mailing workflows.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance product consistency and reliability across processes.
- Mentored junior engineers to foster skill development and professional growth.
Corporate Controls Manager
Swire Coca-Cola
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Corporate Pillar Lead for Continuous Improvement: standardized CI tools, methods, and KPIs across manufacturing and operations.
- Directed automation/controls strategies for multiple bottling facilities.
- Reduced downtime and boosted throughput by standardizing PLC/HMI and robotic systems.
- Oversaw modernization projects to enhance production speed, changeovers, and reliability.
- Collaborated with operations and maintenance leadership to improve asset performance and OEE.
Site Services / Journeyman Electrician / Robotic Maintenance Technician
Boeing
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Maintained robotic lines, cranes, paint hangers, and flight line systems.
- Programmed and troubleshot ABB/FANUC robots, PLCs, HMIs, and drive systems.
- Performed HV testing, breaker retrofits, and advanced electrical diagnostics including infrared analysis.
Automation / Journeyman Electrician Lead
Spectra
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Designed and maintained automation systems for oil & gas facilities.
- Calibrated transmitters, PLCs, RTUs, and SCADA equipment.
- Led installation crews and ensured compliance with engineering standards and safety policies.
Journeyman Electrician
Jessen Electric
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Installed and maintained high/low-voltage systems in industrial environments.
- Serviced motors, drives, artificial lift systems, and shutdown equipment.
Education
Project Management
Everett Community College
Everett, WA05-2018
Journeyman Electrician License -
Uintah Basin ATC
UtahSkills
- Engineering leadership
- Multi-site maintenance management
- PLC, HMI, and SCADA
- Robotics expertise
- Continuous improvement methodologies
- Capital project oversight
- Reliability engineering practices
- Troubleshooting techniques
- Predictive maintenance strategies
- High-security print and mail operations
- Safety compliance standards
- Team development and training
- Budget management skills
- Siemens systems knowledge
- Allen-Bradley knowledge
- ABB systems knowledge
- SCADA systems integration
- HMI design and implementation
- RTU configuration and management
- Networking fundamentals
- Engineering management principles
- Vendor relations management strategies
- Team leadership capabilities
- Critical thinking skills
- Project planning and oversight
- Project management expertise
Websites
Personal Information
Title: Director of Engineering & Maintenance
Technical Skills
Siemens, Allen-Bradley, FANUC, ABB, FANUC, SCADA, HMI, RTUs, Networking
Timeline
Corporate Controls Manager
Swire Coca-Cola
01.2022 - 01.2023
Director of Engineering & Maintenance
K&H Integrated Print Solutions
01.2019 - Current
Site Services / Journeyman Electrician / Robotic Maintenance Technician
Boeing
01.2018 - 01.2019
Automation / Journeyman Electrician Lead
Spectra
01.2016 - 01.2018
Journeyman Electrician
Jessen Electric
01.2010 - 01.2016
Project Management
Everett Community College
Journeyman Electrician License -
Uintah Basin ATC